UA Gadsden Center

121 North 1st St.Gadsden, AL35901USA

Trip Leader: Shirley du Pont - Visit Kentucky’s most famous historic site, My Old Kentucky Home, to explore its connection to the American Civil War. Learn how mid-19th century public sentiment was forever changed by the house that inspired the world-famous song, "My Old Kentucky Home," and how the family was connected to the Union war effort, while other family members split away to join the forces of the Confederacy. In &qupt;A House Divided," tour guests will discover and encounter the realities of the Civil War Era in and around the historic mansion. Hear the tour guides sing "My Old Kentucky Home" – a song which helped to inspire an entire nation to fight for freedom from slavery. See rooms of the mansion transformed for the war era, including an outstanding collection of weaponry, uniforms, rationing, the end of slavery, and both Union and Confederate influences on both the Rowan family and Federal Hill mansion. It takes a special place to craft the Official Bat of Major League Baseball. Experience history-in-the-making, as you stroll through the factory where world famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats, used by MLB star players, are made. Visitors to the Louisville Slugger Museum receive a free mini wood souvenir bat. Create your own personalized bat, just like the pros. In addition, your Main Street ticket has five additional attractions within a four-block area. They are Evan Williams Bourbon experience, Kentucky Science Center, Muhammad Ali Center, Frazier History Museum, and The Kentucky Center for Performing Arts or the Peerless Distilling Company. You can visit all of them or choose the ones that interest you most. Churchill Downs, the World’s Most Legendary Racetrack. Known as the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts Thoroughbred horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky, during three race meets in the spring, September, and the fall. Activity level: Moderate (lots of walking)